This isn’t some faceless mega-brewery churning out watery lager for the masses; it’s a business built on tradition, family values, and a deep respect for the craft of beer making. For more than three centuries, they’ve been brewing with a sense of pride and continuity that’s as rare as a proper pint in a plastic-free glass.
A Brewery with Deep Roots
The story begins in 1698, when Samuel Shepherd founded his small brewery in the bustling market town of Faversham. Back then, beer wasn’t just a pleasure, it was safer to drink than the water. The brewery passed through the hands of several families, growing steadily over the years before eventually taking on the name Shepherd Neame in the 19th century, when Percy Beale Neame joined the fold.
It’s remarkable to think that in over 300 years, they’ve weathered wars, depressions, and countless changes in drinking culture. Yet here they still stand, independent, family-run, and proud of it. In a world where so many breweries have been swallowed up by global corporations, that independence really does count for something.
Tradition That Runs Deep
Walk through the gates of Shepherd Neame and you’ll immediately get the sense that this isn’t just a place where beer is made; it’s a place where beer is respected. They’re still using traditional open-topped fermenters, which is rare these days. Most modern breweries seal everything off with stainless steel, but Shepherd Neame prefer the open approach; it’s more hands-on, more in tune with the yeast and the process itself.
Then there’s the water, the lifeblood of any good brew. Their beers are made with chalk-filtered mineral water drawn from the artesian wells deep beneath the brewery. It’s the same source they’ve been using for generations, giving Shepherd Neame beers that distinct, clean Kentish character.
They’re also well known for growing and using Kentish hops, sourced locally from nearby farms in the Garden of England. Those hops bring bright, earthy notes to their ales; you can almost taste the countryside in every pint.
A Proud Range of Beers
Of course, the brewery’s most famous creation is probably Spitfire, the amber ale launched in 1990 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. With its toasty malt backbone and gentle hop bitterness, Spitfire became a firm favourite in pubs across the UK, and it’s a beer that manages to celebrate history without feeling dated. The name, of course, nods to the Supermarine Spitfire aircraft and the Royal Air Force pilots who defended Britain’s skies during the war.
Over time, the brewery expanded the Spitfire range, adding Spitfire Gold and Spitfire Lager, giving drinkers more choice while keeping that same proud heritage front and centre.
But Shepherd Neame is far from a one-trick pony. Their lineup includes the Kentish Strong Ale 1698, a nod to their founding year; Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, crisp and coastal in character; and Master Brew, a proper best bitter that’s all too easy to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.
They’ve also shown that tradition doesn’t mean standing still. Their Bear Island range, for example, brings a more modern twist to things; think craft-inspired brews with New World hops but still brewed with that classic Shepherd Neame backbone. It’s proof that they can move with the times without losing what makes them unique.
More Than Just a Brewery
One of the great strengths of Shepherd Neame is their pub estate. They own and operate hundreds of pubs and hotels across the South of England, each one a reflection of the brand’s warmth and heritage. Many of these pubs are centuries old themselves, full of oak beams, creaky floors, and that unmistakable smell of good beer and Sunday roast.
If you’ve ever popped into one of their houses, you’ll know the atmosphere, the kind of place where locals chat at the bar, dogs snooze by the fire, and the landlord actually knows your name. Their pubs are an extension of their philosophy: beer belongs in places where people connect, not just in cans and bottles on a supermarket shelf.
Standing the Test of Time
Longevity in brewing isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about staying relevant without losing your soul. Shepherd Neame has managed that beautifully. They’ve embraced sustainability, investing in green technologies to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency. They’ve adapted their range to meet modern tastes, even offering gluten-free options, while keeping core classics alive.
And of course, they’ve faced their fair share of challenges. Like every brewer, they had to weather the storm of lockdowns, supply issues, and the rise of global beer giants dominating supermarket shelves. But you can’t keep a brewery like Shepherd Neame down for long. Their reputation, their quality, and their loyal following have seen them through.
Shepherd Neame vs Samuel Smith’s: The “Oldest Brewery” Debate
Now, as you’ll know up in Yorkshire, Samuel Smith’s Brewery in Tadcaster is another heavyweight when it comes to historic brewing claims. Founded in 1758, it’s still family-owned, still uses horses for deliveries, and still serves beer in those wonderfully stubborn, traditional pubs that haven’t changed since your granddad’s day.
So who’s really the oldest? Well, technically, Shepherd Neame’s 1698 founding date gives them the edge on paper. But it depends how you define “continuous operation”, and how you count the early brewing history that predates company records. The truth is, both breweries have a legitimate claim to being Britain’s oldest, and frankly, we’re lucky to have them both still going strong.
It’s a bit like trying to decide who makes the best Sunday roast, it depends who’s cooking, and who you ask.
A Brewery That Still Feels Personal
What I’ve always liked about Shepherd Neame is that, despite their age and size, they’ve managed to keep things personal. They’re proud of their heritage, but they don’t brag about it. They focus on doing things properly, brewing beer that tastes like beer, not a chemistry experiment.
When you sip a pint of their Master Brew or Spitfire, you can taste the balance, the craftsmanship, and the care. And to me, that’s what makes a good brewery great.
There’s something reassuring about that steady hand, in a world of hazy, double-dry-hopped this and pastry stout that, Shepherd Neame just quietly keeps turning out proper, balanced ales. Don’t get me wrong, I love trying the modern stuff too, but sometimes you just want a beer that’s honest, refreshing, and brewed by people who’ve been perfecting it since before steam trains were even a thing.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Today, Jonathan Neame, the seventh generation of the family, leads the brewery. Under his stewardship, Shepherd Neame continues to thrive, combining modern brewing techniques with that all-important respect for tradition. They’ve got a visitor centre that’s well worth a tour, you’ll see the old mash tuns, the hop store, and the copper stills gleaming away like they’ve got a story to tell.
And of course, there’s the tasting room… which, if you ask me, is the best part of any brewery tour.
In Praise of Longevity and Good Beer
Shepherd Neame’s story isn’t just about age; it’s about endurance, adaptability, and staying true to your values. In a country that once had thousands of local breweries, most have long since disappeared — but Shepherd Neame remains, not just surviving, but thriving.
So whether you’re a fan of their classic bitters or fancy trying something more modern from the Bear Island range, it’s worth raising a glass to them. Because without breweries like Shepherd Neame, we’d lose a big part of what makes British beer so special.
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